Content Structure :
- Intro & Location
- Why Preschool Matters
- Our Programs (by age)
- What Makes Us Different (Free Enrichment)
- Parent Reviews
- How to Enroll
- Common Questions (FAQ)
Looking for a great preschool in Riverside?
See why families choose Sierra Preschool & After School. We offer Montessori-inspired learning with a theme based academic curriculum, free enrichment classes, and caring teachers to get your child ready for kindergarten and beyond.
Why Choose
Sierra Preschool & Afterschool in Riverside
, CA?
Early education will help your child acquire new skills academically and developmentally, foster independence in social and classroom environments, and the skills to excel as they enter Kindergarten. Riverside has many preschools, and finding the right fit is important for your child’s future.
Studies show children in quality preschools often have better social skills, are more ready for school academics, and develop stronger language skills. At Sierra Preschool & After School, our program helps children reach these key milestones and excel.
The Sierra Preschool Difference in Riverside
Find us at 11077 Whitford Ave in Riverside. We have served the Riverside, La Sierra, and Corona areas for over 10 years. Our Montessori / Center Based preschool offers:
- Hands-On Learning : Our themes and activities match your child’s age. We focus on learning core skills through play and various academic, age appropriate activities.
- FREE Weekly Enrichment : Unlike many Riverside preschools, we include dance, soccer, tae kwon do, yoga and music classes at no extra cost.
- Small Classes : Our low student-to-teacher ratios mean more attention for your child.
- Experienced Teachers : Our certified staff members love working with young children.
- Full and Half Day Programs : We offer flexible schedules to help working parents.
Our Preschool Programs in Riverside
Ages 18 months- 24 months Toddler Program
Our youngest students thrive in a child center environment with low ratios and lots of hands-on learning :
- Age-Appropriate Learning :
Early childhood
activities geared towards little learners. - Sensory and Social Growth : Our Toddlers learn through hands on sensory and social interactions with peers and staff
- Low Child to Teacher Ratio : 6:1 ratio so children can receive additional attention and guidance during this formative time
- Potty Training Included : Free potty training included at no extra cost to families
Ages 2-4 Preschool Program
Our main program for children ages 2-5 helps kids learn academics and social skills. Each day includes :
- Circle Time : Building community and starting the day’s topic.
- Literacy Fun : Pre-reading skills like sounds, stories, and writing practice.
- Math Play : Hands-on counting, sorting, patterns, and basic numbers.
- Science : Weekly themes encourage looking, guessing, and exploring.
- Art & Creativity : Time to make, imagine, and express ideas.
- Social Skills : Learning to share, work together, and make friends.
Transitional Kindergarten Program
For kids heading to kindergarten, our Transitional Kindergarten program focuses on :
- Reading Skills : Letter names, sounds, and early reading.
- Math Concepts : Numbers, counting, simple adding and subtracting ideas.
- Science & Social Studies : Learning more about the world.
- Hand Skills : Writing practice and coordination.
- STEAM Program : with science activities, technology like coding and robots, as well as engineering, art, and math
- Dual Language Immersion : children are immersed in a morning of Spanish and English instruction to build their language skills
- Kindergarten Skills : Following directions, focusing longer, and class routines.
Ages 5- 12 Before and After School Program
Before and After School Drop off and Pick up to our Local Elementary Schools :
- School Transport : Before and Afterschool can with transport to our local elementary schools
- Homework Help : Staff to assist children with their daily homework from school
- Planned Activities : Fun arts and crafts, science experiments, and learning activities planned daily
- Fulltime Care Offered : Sierra Preschool is open Full time for Furlough Days, Holiday Breaks, and Summer!
FREE Enrichment Programs – Only at
Sierra Preschool Riverside
What makes Sierra Preschool special? Our free enrichment programs help your child grow in many ways:
- Weekly Dance : Professional teachers guide creative movement, rhythm, and basic dance. Builds coordination and expression.
- Soccer : Our fun soccer program builds motor skills, teamwork, and healthy habits.
- Tae Kwon Do : Certified instructors help children learn focus, discipline, and confidence with basic moves.
- Music : Weekly classes explore rhythm, singing, and instruments. Music also helps with brain connections for language and math.
- Yoga : Classrooms include yoga in their morning routine to help little bodies calm, focus, and get ready for their day of learning
What Riverside Parents Say
“My daughter has been at Sierra Preschool for 2 years. She has learned and grown so much. The teachers care about each child. The free classes like dance and soccer helped her confidence.” – Viv R., Riverside parent
“I enrolled my son at Sierra Preschool years ago and still refer friends. The preparation he got made kindergarten easy.” – Crystal C., Riverside parent
Enrollment Information for Riverside Families
Sierra Preschool & After School accepts new students year-round. Priority enrollment for the next school year starts in the Spring. We also provide a wonderful Summer Program with hands on science, fieldtrips, academic assemblies, lots of water play, and so much more!
How to Enroll :
- Schedule a tour of our Riverside school and inquire about enrollment options
- Upon Enrollment review and complete our enrollment packet
- Provide needed documentation (immunizations, emergency contacts, etc).
- Pay registration fee and place a deposit to hold your child’s spot!
Preschool Program Choices :
- Full-Day : 6:00 am – 6:30 pm
- Half-Day Morning : 6:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Half-Day Afternoon : 12:30 pm – 6:30 pm
- Flexible Days : Choose 2, 3, 4 or 5 days per week.
Getting Ready for Preschool in Riverside : Tips for Parents
Starting preschool is a big step! Here’s how to help make it smooth:
Before the First Day :
- Visit Together : Come see the classroom and meet the teachers with your child.
- Set Routines : Start adjusting sleep times to mimic schedule naps about 2-3 weeks earlier if possible
- Read Books : Stories about school can help ease worries.
- Practice Self-Help : Encourage using the bathroom, washing hands, and dressing alone although caring teachers are always there to lend a helping hand.
What to Bring :
- Extra Clothes : Pack a full change of clothes suitable for the weather.
- Potty Training Items : If needed please bring diapers/pull ups, wipes, etc and an extra pair of clothes
- Crib Sheet and Blanket : Nap time is schedule 12-2:00 and children will need a fitted crib size sheet and smaller size blanket that will fit into their cubby
- A Positive Attitude : Your calm confidence and support will help your child feel secure and confident to start their new experience in Preschool!
Frequently Asked Questions About Preschool in Riverside
Q: How is Sierra Preschool different from Head Start in Riverside?
A: Head Start only helps income-eligible families. Sierra Preschool offers longer hours, flexible schedules, smaller classes, and free enrichment programs not usually found in public options. We also accept all state funded programs for families using financial aid.
Q: Do you provide meals?
A: Yes, we provide healthy breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks following the State Meal Program adjusting for allergies and dietary needs.
Q: What safety measures do you have?
A: Child safety is key. We have secure entry, security monitoring throughout the center viewable from the Directors office, thorough staff background checks, and monthly safety drills.
Q: What makes Sierra Preschool stand out in Riverside?
A: Our mix of Montessori-style learning, FREE enrichment classes, our custom Academic Theme Based Curriculum, skilled teachers, and flexible schedules offer a great start for children.
Visit
Sierra Preschool & After School in Riverside
Come see our welcoming Riverside preschool and schedule a tour! Our administrators would love to show you around, answer all of your questions, and help you see if Sierra Preschool fits your family.